Bahlil Confirms 3 kg CNG Canister as LPG Replacement Enters Third Trial Phase

Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the compressed natural gas (CNG) canister intended to replace subsidised 3 kg LPG has entered its third phase of testing. The government is closely monitoring each trial phase to mitigate technical risks, given CNG’s different characteristics compared to conventional LPG. “We are currently testing the 3 kg CNG canister. The pressure is around 200-250 bar. This third phase of testing is scheduled for mid-July. Once it is complete, I will provide a further update,” Bahlil stated at the launch of the B50 mandate at the KM 57 rest area on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road, as quoted on Friday (10/7/2026). Bahlil noted that the first two testing phases have already been completed, and the government is optimistic that the third phase will meet established safety standards. Previously, Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman explained that the distribution of the 3 kg CNG will replicate the existing LPG mechanism to ensure ease of adoption. This involves a network of agents and sub-distributors in cooperation with Pertamina. Laode clarified that consumers will not need to purchase the CNG canisters, as the government will implement a swap system where the canisters remain the property of the business entity. For the initial implementation phase, the government has decided to import the CNG canisters from China, as the technology required for mass-producing high-pressure canisters is not yet available domestically.